Don't let problems destroy your faith

There's no denying that past abuses of children by a minority of Catholic priests is horrific and indefensible. Is the remedy then to destroy the Catholic Church and to wipe out the significant contributions of thousands of wonderful Catholic priests and other clergy?

Cal Thomas' suggestions seem to indicate that abandoning the Catholic faith is an appropriate remedy. He implies that abuses against children in Christian churches are exclusive to Catholic priests. While detailing well documented sex scandals in the Protestant church involving adults, he seems to purge from memory the numerous abuses against children in Christian churches of various denominations across the country and around the world. It has included many pastors and youth ministry leaders.

What, then, is the answer? Thomas suggests "no faith at all" might be a solution. Is that really appropriate? For my part, I'd rather die than lose faith in Jesus Christ.

I believe it's particularly relevant to ask, what would Jesus do? My guess is that He would act with forgiveness, mercy and compassion.

To paraphrase John 8:7: If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone.

Brian Knott

Elgin